Detailed notes on wildlife rehabilitation including health issues, recognising need, feeding, housing, conflict prevention, common concerns, and a list of helpful resources, and more.
What Causes Human/Wildlife Conflict?
Lack of understanding/appreciation of wildlife
Fear of wild animals
Unintentionally inviting habitats
Human intrusion into wildlife habitat
o Development; subdivisions, plazas etc.
Common Complaints about Wildlife
Raccoons/squirrels in attics
Animals in garbage
Skunks under sheds/porches
Birds in chimneys
Rabbits/deer eating plants
Presence of large predators (bears, coyotes)
Strategies for Conflict Resolution
Determine the problem- Is it actually a problem?
Identify the damage and the animal responsible
Assess the situation- are they open to action or are they closed off?
What action is appropriate- Is an investigations officer needed?
Evaluate the outcome- Call for follow-up (in an ideal world)
Approaches to Dealing with Conflict
Tolerance
Preventing access
o Physical exclusion
o Negative conditioning or repelling animals with scare devices
o Deterrents using bad-tasting or bad-smelling chemical repellents
o Remove the source of attraction
Points of Access for Wildlife
Chimneys that are uncapped
Gutters and eavestroughs- soffit comes loose
Vents
Nearby trees or tall structures
Wildlife Attractants
Outdoor storage areas
Bird feeders
Human garbage
Woodpiles
Water butts
Evidence of Wildlife Presence
Damage to insulation
Damage to roof tiles
Visibly disturbed or stained holes in buildings or porches
, Wildlife Rehabilitation
Chewed wires
Disturbed garbage
Why Not Live Trapping?
It is only a short-term solution
During the Spring and Summer, mothers are separated from their young
Relocation may not be the objective
Animals may injure themselves in the live-trap or suffer from exposure
Pets may harass animals while in a live-trap
Wildlife often do not survive when relocated
Transfer of disease
It is illegal to live-trap and relocate wildlife in Ontario
May be appropriate when:
o Animal is injured or sick
o Animal is trapped within the home
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Must be authorized to perform wildlife rehabilitation
Authorization is received through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Rehab activities are regulated under the Ontario Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act
Education/training can be obtained through the Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education
Network (OWREN)
Identifying Wildlife in Need of Help
Thoroughly assess the circumstances related to wildlife
o Injured
o Sick
o Orphaned
If the animal does not require assistance, sometimes you have to explain why
What about “nuisance” wildlife?
Orphaned Wildlife
The absence of a mother/parent is not sufficient reason to believe an animal is orphaned
Staying with their mother is always the preferred option- humans are a poor substitute
Considerations:
o Body Condition
o Hydration
o Energy Level
o Body Temperature
o Parasites
o When it was removed/length of separation
o Rescuer should never offer food or water
Identifying Orphaned Wildlife
General:
o Always observe from a distance
o Consider the biology of the species
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